Medical drainage apparatus



p 1956 R. P. EVANS 2,763,266

MEDICAL DRAINAGE APPARATUS Filed May 12, 1953 lzgil jig). 2

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United States Patent MEDICAL DRAINAGE APPARATUS Robert P. Evans, Kenmore, N. Y., assignor to Sterilon Corporation, Buffalo, N. Y.

Application May 12, 1953, Serial No. 354,469

8 Claims. (Cl. 128350) This invention relates to catheter appliances and the like, and more particularly to an improved drainage apparatus for use with a catheter or like device for drainage of fluids from anatomical or surgical body cavities.

Catheter tubes and similar devices in common use are comparatively short and require a drainage tube device for making connection from the catheter to a jar or other suitable receptacle for the drained fluid. It has been customary to provide this extended connection by means of a rubber tube which is connected to the catheter by means of a short glass nipple piece. The customary provision of the rubber drainage tube and glass connector constitutes an item of expense both in the relatively expensive original material and in cleaning, reconditioning and resterilizing of the same for re-use. Furthermore, the glass nipple piece creates a constriction in the fluid conducting path which tends to create back pressure, and also the inserted end of the glass connector piece provides a ledge for the retention of clots or other debris whereby drainage may be impeded or entirely obstructed. The present invention provides a disposable drainage tube device which is furnished in sterilized and protected condition and provides a clear and unobstructed drainage conduit.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved catheter drainage tube apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide a drainage tube as aforesaid which is adapted to be made from disposable plastic material whereby it may be supplied in sterile condition for one-time use.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved catheter drainage apparatus which is entirely transparent for facilitating observation of the flow therethrough.

It is still another object of the invention to provide an improved catheter apparatus wherein back pressure is minimized and free flow is facilitated.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a drainage tube as aforesaid forming a substantially continuous wall surface with the catheter or like device to which it is applied thereby providing a drainage duct system which presents no substantial discontinuities wherein a clot or the like'might tend to lodge itself.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims, and from the drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a view, on an enlarged scale, of the improved catheter drainage apparatus of the invention as supplied to the user in sterile condition; and

Fig. 2 is a partially sectioned view of the drainage apparatus of Fig. 1 in use.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention as supplied to the user is shown in Fig. 1 and comprises a length of drainage tubing 10 having an adapter or tip member 12 at one end for connection to a catheter or like appliance.

The drainage tube assembly 10, 12 of the invention is maintained in sterile condition until use by a cap 14 closing the tip member 12 and protecting its catheter contacting outer surface 16, and by a plug such as the cotton plug 18 which closes the other end of the drainage tube. The adaptor or tip member 12 is preferably of a relatively hard clear plastic such as polystyrene, while the tubing 10 is of a flexible clear plastic such as polyvinyl.

As shown more clearly in Fig. 2, the tip member 12 is formed with a shank portion 20 which connects with the drainage tubing 10 in a secure and substantially permanent manner. This connection is adapted to be made in a rapid and simple manner during manufacture of the device. Thus the outer diameter of the shank 20 is larger than the normal inner diameter or lumen of the tubing 10, so that the tubing 10 may be mechanically stretched and slipped over the shank, and its plastic memory will serve to cause it to shrink about the shank securely. Inasmuch as the plasticizers of the referred to materials are incompatible, it is preferable to coat the shank 20 or the adjacent interior surface of the tubing 10 with a suitable clear chemical barrier or coating to prevent migration of the plasticizers of the polystyrene and polyvinyl materials. The main or body portion 22 of the adaptor 12 is formed with a substantially cylindrical but preferably tapered outer surface which is dimensioned to make a stretch fit with the connection funnel portion of the catheter 24 to which it is to be applied. The larger diameter body portion 22 joins the shank portion 20 with a shoulder 25 which serves to limit the position of the tubing 10 on the shank, facilitating rapid assembly of the parts during manufacture.

The interior lumen or bore 26 of the tip member is tapered or flared outwardly as shown at 28 and is preferably further chamfered at its junction 30 with the outer end face 32 of the fitting to present a minimum area at that face perpendicular to the direction of flow.

Preferably the internal taper of the bore 26 and the degree of the chamfer 30 are such that the transverse face 32 is reduced to a circular edge of substantially no area, as shown.

Preferably the minimum diameter 34 of the lumen of the tip member 12 is larger than the minimum diameter 36 of the catheter, while the minimum diameter 38 of the lumen of the drainage tubing 10 is larger than the minimum diameter 34 of the tip member so that the drainage tube 10, 12 and the catheter form a drainage channel or conduit system which is of outwardly increasing minimum diameter whereby no back pressure can develop to impede the flow.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2, the drainage tube is made ready for use by simple manual removal of the protective cap 14, and then the hard tip member 12 is readily inserted into the funnel or end portion 24 of the catheter or like therapeutic drainage device, the taper of the body portion 22 providing for easy entry into the catheter tubing and providing a snug fit therewith. If desired, alcohol may be used as a lubricant to facilitate the making of the connection. The cotton plug 18 is removed from the outer end of the tubing 10 and that end is connected to a suitable receptacle for the drained fluid, such as a bottle 40 with a stopper 42 having a vent 44 and a hole 46 for receiving the tubing 10. It will be understood that the tubing 10 will be suitably adapted for connection to the type of receptacle or receiver with which it is to be used, and may have a plain end as shown or a suitable fitting, as required.

When the catheter apparatus is thus assembled for use, the tip member 12 stretches the entrance of the catheter 24, while the tapered and chamfered end of the lumen 26 thereof presents a minimum obstruction or discontinuity in the conduit wall surface whereby no substantial ledge or the like is presented such as might tend to catch clots or other debris and thereby obstruct the flow.

Thus it will be appreciated that the catheter drainage tube assembly of the invention is readily manufactured from entirely transparent disposable materials and is readily fully and permanently assembled and supplied in sterile condition with all of the internal and catheter contacting surfaces protected by the rubber cap 14 and the cotton plug 18. The drainage tube is readily made ready for use by simple removal of the cap 14 and the plug and the optional application of alcohol to the tip or to the catheter opening as a lubricant. The adapter or tip 12 is of hard material for easy manipulation and of simple shape for economical production by molding processes. Further, it is adapted for simple yet secure connection to the inexpensive polyvinyl tubing by simple mechanical stretching of the latter. Thus the entire drainage tube assembly may be supplied at a cost which permits disposal after one-time use thereby obviating all necessity for reconditioning and resterilizing and insuring maximum protection to the patient. In contrast to prior devices, the flow through the drainage tube and its junction with the catheter is without back pressure and free from obstruction causing discontinuities.

While the fluid drainage apparatus as illustrated and described hereinabove is arranged to function in response to gravity forces acting upon the fluid, it will be understood, of course, that any other suitable arrangement may be employed for withdrawing the fluid through the drainage duct system of the invention, such as for example, by use of a suction pump or syphon or any other suitable device. Accordingly, fiowab'le material may be withdrawn from any body part through the apparatus of the invention in any suitable manner, such as for example, in a stomach pump arrangement. Thus, while only one form of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail it will be understood that the invention is not so limited but may be otherwise embodied within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination, a catheter and a catheter drainage tube, said drainage tube comprising a length of substantially transparent polyvinyl tubing with a polystyrene tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making a stretched-fit connection with said tubing and joining with said body part with an annular shoulder, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable stretched-fit connection to said catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said lumen being conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member and being outwardly chamfered at said face, the flare and chamfer of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, the minimum diameter of said lumen of said tip member being greater than that of the lumen of said catheter and less than that of the lumen of said tubing.

2. In combination, a catheter and a catheter drainage tube, said drainage tube comprising a length of substantially transparent flexible plastic tubing with a relatively hard substantially transparent plastic tip member at 'one end'thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making an effectively permanent telescopic connection within said tubing and joining with said body portion with an annular shoulder beyond the overlying extent of said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable telescoping connection within the lumen of said catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said axial lumen being conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member and being outwardly chamfered at said face, the flare and chamfer of said axial lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, the minimum diameter of said axial lumen of said tip member being greater than that of the lumen of said catheter and less than that of the lumen of said tubing.

3. A disposable catheter drainage tube apparatus for use with a catheter, said apparatus comprising a drainage tube comprising a length of substantially transparent polyvinyl tubing with a polystyrene tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making a stretched-fit connection within said tubing and joining with said body portion with an annular shoulder beyond the overlying extent of said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable stretched-fit connection within the outlet end of a catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said lumen being conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member and being outwardly chamfered at said face, the flare and chamfer of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, a removable cap of resilient material stretchingly fitting over said body portion covering the catheter contacting surfaces thereof and closing said lumen, and a removable closure at said other end of said tubing closing the lumen thereof.

4. A disposable catheter drainage tube apparatus for use with a catheter, said apparatus comprising a drainage tube comprising a length of light transmitting flexible tubing with a relatively rigid tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making a stretched-fit connection within said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable stretched-fit connection within the outlet end of a catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said lumen being generally conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member, the flare of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, a removable cap of resilient material stretchingly fitting over said body portion covering the catheter contacting surfaces thereof and closing said lumen, and a removable closure at said other end of said tubing closing the lumen thereof.

5.A disposable catheter drainage tube apparatus for use with a catheter, said apparatus comprising a drainage tube comprising a length of light transmitting flexible tubing with a relatively rigid tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical bodyportion at its outer end and a generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making a stretched-fit connection within said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end. and being adapted to make 'a detachable stretched-fit connection within the outlet end of a catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen adapted to provide free-flow drainage conduction of catheter eflluent therethrough, said lumen being generally conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member, the flare of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, a removable cap of resilient material stretchingly fitting over said body portion covering the catheter contacting surfaces thereof and closing said lumen, and a removable closure at said other end of said tubing closing the lumen thereof.

6. In combination, a catheter and a catheter drainage tube, said drainage tube comprising a length of substantially transparent polyvinyl tubing with a polystyrene tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making a stretched-fit connection with said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable stretched-fit connection to said catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said lumen being eonically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member and being outwardly chamfered at said face, the flare and chamfer of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, the minimum diameter of said lumen of said tip member being greater than that of the lumen of said catheter and less than that of the lumen of said tubing.

7. In combination, a catheter and a catheter drainage tube, said drainage tube comprising a length of substantially transparent flexible plastic tubing with a relatively hard substantially transparent plastic tip member at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end and a reduced diameter generally cylindrical shank portion at its inner end, said shank portion making an effectively permanent telescopic connection within said tubing and joining with said body portion with an annular shoulder beyond the overlying extent of said tubing, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable telescoping connection within the lumen of said catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen therethrough, said axial lumen being generally conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member, the flare of said axial lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, the minimum diameter of said axial lumen of said tip member being greater than that of the lumen of said catheter and less than that of the lumen of said tubing.

8. A disposable catheter drainage tube apparatus for use with a catheter, said apparatus comprising a drainage tube comprising a length of light transmitting flexible tubing with a relatively rigid tip member connected thereto at one end thereof and adapted at its other end for connection to a receiver for fluid, said tip member having a generally cylindrical body portion at its outer end, the cylindrical side surface of said body portion being tapered toward said outer end and being adapted to make a detachable stretched-fit connection within the outlet end of a catheter, said tip member being formed with an axial lumen adapted to provide free-flow drainage conduction of catheter efiluent therethrough, said lumen being generally conically flared outwardly toward the outer end face of said tip member, the flare of said lumen being dimensioned relative to the proximate diameter of said side surface of said body portion to substantially merge therewith at said outer end face, a removable cap of resilient material stretchingly fitting over said body portion covering the catheter contacting surfaces thereof and closing said lumen, and a removable closure at said other end of said tubing closing the lumen thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,389,355 Goland Nov. 20, 1945 2,464,933 Kaslow Mar. 22, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS 778,625 France Dec. 22, 1934 

